Michael P. Neeley

Phantom cultures of the Levantine Epipaleolithic

We thank those whose interest in the Levantine Epipalaeolithic has led them to comment on our research. Such public discussion of differing interpretations is vital to understanding the past. In this article, we briefly respond to some of the points raised by those writing in this issue (G.A. Clark, N. Goring-Morris, D.O. Henry and J.L. Phillips) and in a previous issue (Fellner 1995; Kaufman 1995) of ANTIQUITY.

Investigations at Tor al-Tareeq: An Epipaleolithic Site in the Wadi el-Hasa, Jordan

AbstractThe Epipaleolithic site of Tor al-Tareeq (WHS 1065) was discovered in 1982 by Burton MacDonalds Wadi Hasa Survey in west-central Jordan, surface collected and tested in 1984, and partially excavated in 1992. The earliest and best represented occupation is an early Epipaleolithic industry, overlain in places by an ephemeral geometric industry identified by a higher incidence of geometric microliths. Six radiocarbon determinations span the period between 16,900 and 15,600 b.p. and confirm an early Epipaleolithic date but the subsequent geometric phase has not been dated. The site consists of a series of camps, near a collapsed rockshelter and a spring, and strung out along the shore of a mildly-alkaline, late Pleistocene lake. The permanent water and varied resource zones surely made the locale attractive in an otherwise arid landscape. Faunal remains and pollen from the site indicate diverse resources in conditions substantially different from those of today. This report examines a wide range of a...

Southern Ghors and Northeast Araba Archaeological Survey 1985 and 1986, Jordan: A Preliminary Report

The Southern Ghors and Northeast ʿAraba Archaeological Survey was in the field in May to June 1985 and October to December 1986. The 1985 and 1986 seasons were a reconnaissance and a systematic and intensive survey of the area. For infield work the area was divided into five environmental zones on the basis of the Jordan 1:50,000 (Series K737) scale maps. A total of 240 sites were surveyed. These range from lithic and sherd scatters to major architectural sites. Preliminary analysis of the materials from the various sites leads to a range of dating from the Lower/Middle Paleolithic to the modern periods. However, not all periods are represented in the survey territory. This analysis also leads to a preliminary interpretation of many of the sites.

Microcores and microliths in Northwestern Plains and Rocky Mountain front lithic assemblages

Microcores and microliths have been identified in archaeological sites in Montana, Wyoming, and North Dakota. While clearly the product of patterned reduction yielding flakes with roughly parallel sides, the cores seldom produced regular flake removals, suggesting a high degree of variability in the resulting microliths. This irregular pattern of reduction contrasts with classic microblade cores from higher latitudes, where uniformity of microblades was desired. When noted by field archaeologists, microcores are variously described as conical or circular scrapers as well as microcores or microblade cores. They occur in low frequencies in several time periods and are seldom identified with associated production debitage let alone microliths. This article examines microlith manufacture and microcore discard in the Northwestern Plains and adjacent regions and proposes that the technology fulfilled a specialized role in the organization of lithic technology linked to the infrequent manufacture of specialty items.

Geoecology of the Marias River Canyon, Montana, USA: Landscape Influence on Human Use and Preservation of Late Holocene Archaeological and Vertebrate Remains

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